study guide gi physiology Flashcards
list the four basic layers of the gastrointestinal tract? from inside out?
muscosa
submucosa
muscularis
serosa
what is the innermost layer of the gi tract
mucosa
what are some of the functions of the mucosa
secretion of mucus and digestive enzymes and hormones
absorptions of nutrients
and protection against infectious disease
what is the predominant tissue type that is found in the mucosa?
simple columnar epithelial cells which are found on a thin layer of connective tissue containing capillaries which nourish the cells and allow for absorption.
what is the two functions of the submucosa?
1) enables the gastrointestinal tract to regain its shape after food moves through it.
2) houses an intrinsic neuronal system called the enteric nervous system which regulates digestive activities such as motility, secretion, and blood flow.
what is the predominant tissue type found in the submucosa?
elastic fibers
what is the function of the muscularis?
sphincters (valves)
coordinated contractions of the muscularis layer are responsible for peristalsis and other contractions (segmentation) that propel food forward.
what is the predominant cell types found in the muscularis?
circular and longitudinal layered smooth muscle
what is the function of the serosa?
protective outermost layer of the GI tract, supports structures
secrete serous fluid that lubricates the organs reducing friction during movement
the intestine also receives extrinsic innervation from the?
autonomic nervous system
what neurons regulate rest and digest?
parasympathetic
parasympathetic cholinergic neurons release what?
acetylcholine
acetylcholine does what?
increases secretions and contractions of the intestinal smooth muscle
the sympathetic neurons release what? which do what?
epinephrine and norepinephrine
drive the fight or flight response
what is the effect the sympathetic noradrenergic activity have on the gi system?
decreases the activity of intestinal smooth muscle, reduces secretions, and causes sphincters to contract, thus blocking the progression of intestinal contents.
how many nerve fibers from the enteric nervous system are there?
approximately 100 million
the majority of the ENS nerve fibers are found distributed where?
within the walls of the gastrointestinal tissues
the enteric nervous system is primarily localized to two extensive plexuses which are?
myenteric plexus and the submucosal plexus
a plexus is what?
a collection of nerves
the plexuses of the ENS are primarily found where?
the inner tissue layers of the GI tract
where is the myenteric plexus located?
between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers of the GI tract
the myenteric plexus is primarily responsible for?
control of muscular contraction and the mechanical aspect of digestion
where is the submucosal plexus located?
in the submucosa
what is the function of the submuscosal plexus of the ENS?
responsible for controlling digestive secretions, absorption, and local contraction of the submucosal muscle leading to enfolding of the mucosa.

